Reggae Music Blog by Enki’s Music Records

When you think of reggae, names like Bob Marley, King Tubby, or Lee “Scratch” Perry probably come to mind first. But while singers and producers usually grabbed the spotlight, the real engine behind Jamaica’s most influential recordings were the session musicians working behind the scenes. Often called studio bands, session bands, or house bands, these […]

Slim Smith was one of the defining voices of Jamaica’s rocksteady years. Born Keith Smith in 1948, he brought a rare level of soul and vulnerability to the Kingston recording studios of the 1960s. Whether leading a harmony group or standing alone at the microphone, Smith’s recognizable tone and emotional range set a benchmark that

Few artists embody the soul of roots reggae quite like Don Carlos, a singer whose smooth, comforting vocals have made him a cornerstone of the genre since the early 1970s. Born Euvin Spencer, the man who would become a pillar of the genre grew up in the Waterhouse district in West Kingston. This wasn’t just

The Congos embody the mystical, “churchical” essence of roots reggae. This group chose a path paved with Rastafari spirituality, complex vocal harmonies, and a sound that feels as though it was pulled directly from ancient scripture. For collectors of reggae vinyl, the name “The Congos” is synonymous with a specific era of sonic experimentation. Led

When it comes to the “sweet spot” that bridges the gap between Jamaican grooves and Motown soul, few voices shine as brightly as Susan Cadogan, one of the defining voices of Lovers Rock. Her journey from a quiet library in Kingston to the top of the UK charts made her a key voice in the

When you talk about the foundation of reggae, you can’t get very far without mentioning Frederick “Toots” Hibbert and his legendary group, The Maytals. But who was the man behind the voice that gave the genre its very name? Let’s dive into the incredible journey of Toots & The Maytals. The Birth of a Legend:

Few artists in reggae carry history as deeply, and as consistently, as Burning Spear. Born Winston Rodney in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, in 1945 or 1948*, his music soundtracked the roots reggae era and helped define it. *There is still notable disagreement in reputable sources between 1945 and 1948 as Burning Spear’s birth year. From

Naggo Morris (born Dolphin Morris) was a prominent Jamaican roots reggae singer and a member of The Heptones. Best known for the songs “Su Su Pon Rasta” and “Flour Power”, he was one of Jamaica’s most soulful and underrated singers. Early Years: Dancing and Finding His Voice Born Dolphin George Morris on September 30, 1947

When people talk about 1970s reggae, names like Bob Marley and Dennis Brown come up fast. But if you zoom in on the sound systems, the street corners, and the ghetto dances, one voice echoes loud and clear: Big Youth. With his flowing dreadlocks, jeweled teeth, and spiritual, streetwise lyrics, Big Youth turned the deejay

The Skatalites are the band that helped turn Jamaican dance music into a new sound called ska. They formed in Kingston in 1964 and became the “house band” of Jamaica’s early record industry. They backed singers like Toots & The Maytals, Ken Boothe, Alton Ellis, Doreen Shaffer and many more. They also recorded their own

Marcia Griffiths is often called the Queen of Reggae – and she has the career to back it up. Singer, songwriter, harmony specialist, stage warrior: she has been active for over 60 years, from ska and rocksteady to roots, lovers rock and digital dancehall. Most sources give her full name as Marcia Llyneth Griffiths, born

Sugar Minott was one of the key artists who shaped modern reggae and dancehall. He was a singer, songwriter, producer and sound system owner. His real name was Lincoln Barrington Minott, and he was born in Kingston, Jamaica, on 25 May 1956. He grew up in areas like Maxfield Park, close to local dancehalls. Big

Born Cecil Bustamante Campbell on May 24, 1938, in Kingston, Jamaica, Prince Buster was a singer, songwriter, and producer who helped invent the sound that would shape Jamaican and British music alike. From Kingston’s Streets to Sound System Royalty Before he was a global music icon, Campbell was known around Kingston as both a streetwise

Known as the “Godfather of Rocksteady,” Alton Ellis‘s impact on reggae is monumental and his timeless tunes remain essential for any vinyl collection. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this musical pioneer whose soulful voice helped shape the sound of modern reggae. Alton Ellis Early Life and Musical Beginnings Born Alton Nehemiah Ellis

The Short Answer Each reggae vinyl format has its own role. 7-inch singles are the foundation of Jamaican music, typically pairing a vocal track with a dub or version. 10-inch records were most often used as dubplates for sound systems and only later became collectible formats. 12-inch discomix records offer extended vocal-to-dub mixes designed for

Reggae in Britain is more than just music — it’s a story of migration, identity, and resistance. From the crowded dancehalls of 1960s London to the political anthems of the 1970s, the UK reggae scene grew out of the struggles and creativity of Caribbean immigrant communities. Their sound systems, record shops, and bands didn’t just

When we talk about the roots of reggae in Britain, one name rises above all others: Cimarons. Among the most important pioneers of reggae in Europe, their story is as much about cultural transformation as it is about music. Formed in London in 1967, the band quickly became the heartbeat of reggae’s expansion into Europe.

If you love roots reggae, you may have heard the names Midnite and Akae Beka. These are not just bands—they are part of a deep musical journey led by Vaughn Benjamin, one of reggae’s most spiritual and powerful voices. Let’s explore their story and how these two bands are connected. Who Was Midnite? Midnite was

Who Is Eric Donaldson? Eric Donaldson is a name that echoes through the hills of Jamaican music history. Known for his timeless anthem “Cherry Oh Baby,” Donaldson stands as a pillar of the roots reggae movement, blending sweet melodies with socially conscious lyrics and authentic rural charm. Born in Bog Walk, St. Catherine, Jamaica, in

When reggae music surged through Kingston’s streets in the 1970s, a new vocal style began to ripple through the sound systems — one that straddled spoken word, rhythm, and raw energy. That style was toasting, and one of its most distinctive voices was Trinity, born Wade Brammer, better known as Junior Brammer. Who Was Trinity

Whether you’re a seasoned reggae enthusiast or just getting into vinyl, understanding how used records are graded is essential before making a purchase—especially when shopping online. At Enki’s Music Records, we pride ourselves on transparency and quality. That’s why we use the Goldmine Standard, the most widely accepted vinyl grading system in the world. If

In an era dominated by digital music and streaming platforms, it might seem surprising that 7-inch vinyl singles—especially those rooted in reggae—are making a powerful comeback. Yet across collector circles, DJ crates, and specialist record stores, the 45 RPM reggae single is experiencing a true resurgence. But why is this format so enduring—and what makes

A riddim (short for “rhythm”) is the instrumental backing track in reggae, dancehall, and other Jamaican music. Think of it as the beat or groove—usually built from a drum and bassline—that multiple artists can voice over with their own lyrics and melodies. This is one of the most unique things about reggae: one riddim, many

Buju Banton, born Mark Myrie on July 15, 1973, in Kingston, Jamaica, is a legendary reggae and dancehall artist known for his powerful voice and influential music. Raised in the impoverished neighborhood of Salt Lane as the youngest of 15 children, Buju grew up in a hardworking family with deep roots connected to the Maroons,

While reggae has often been dominated by male figures, many female artists have played a crucial role in shaping the genre. From the soulful voices of the past to modern-day queens of reggae, here’s a list of influential female Jamaican reggae artists you should know. Marcia Griffiths Known as the “Queen of Reggae,” Marcia Griffiths

Johnny Osbourne, born Errol Osbourne in 1948, is a Jamaican reggae and dancehall legend whose career spans decades. Known for his powerful voice and timeless hits, he started singing in church and later studied music at the renowned Alpha School for Boys in Kingston. Interviewed by Reggae Vibes, he said: “I was learning trumpet in

Written by Enki’s Music Records – all rights reserved – kindly mention us as the source if you want to use parts of this article. If you’ve ever collected Jamaican reggae vinyl, you’ve likely noticed a quirky charm: misspellings and typos on labels or covers. Names of artists, songs, and even entire record labels are